Last updated: 4 November 2026
Loading screens are a familiar part of gaming, but some developers use them to make the wait more interesting. From helpful gameplay tips to beautiful artwork and interactive features, these screens can become memorable parts of the gaming experience. Let’s look at 10 of the best loading screens in video games, including classic designs and modern examples that players still remember.
10 Best Loading Screens in Video Games
This list is presented in no particular order. Each entry is included not to rank, but to highlight and celebrate the memorable loading screens in games that left a lasting impression on players. Here are some of the most memorable loading screens in games:
10) Smoke in the Air – Tails Noir
A hidden gem of a video game, Tales Noir, aka Backbone, is a role-playing adventure where the players take control of a raccoon detective. Set in a noir-inspired, animal kingdom class-based society. Whenever the player enters a loading screen in the game, they get the classic burning of a cigarette. The pixelated visuals of the smoke and its animation take the spot for a very (exhaling) loading screen for a video game.
9) Dropping in for Democracy – Helldivers 2
The drop pod sequence in Helldivers 2 isn’t just a loading screen but an adrenaline-filled injection. The sequence drops the player headfirst onto the battlefield, with the theme of democracy fueling the power of democracy. Loading screens like this mask the load time to build immersion and stir the player’s emotions. The Load screen in Helldivers 2 is cinematic, heart-pumping, and deserves our complete attention.
8) Creepy Door – Resident Evil Games
Retro Gaming fans all recognize the eerie door-opening loading screen from early Resident Evil Games. The slow door opening in between levels or while entering a new room built up suspense amongst gamers. The loading screen cleverly masked loading times in the Resident Evil Games, with its unsettling creaking sound and animation. The creepy door opening has disappeared over time with advancements in the gaming industry, with faster loading screens in games. In place of the Creepy Door, players in the latest RE Games can seamlessly transition from one area to another.
7) Artistic Paintings – Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
The latest Medieval RPG, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, features a stylistic approach with its loading screens. Featuring artistic paintings from the 16th Century. The loading screens beautifully incorporate key story moments in the game with historically accurate, medieval-style paintings. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 recently launched for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC and has become a huge hit with fans of open-world RPG Games.
6) 3D Objects & Characters – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most beloved games in the Elder Scrolls Series and gaming in general. The game revolutionized RPGs with its expansive open world, characters, branching story, customization & more. When booting up the game or entering new areas, players were introduced to loading screens displaying fully rendered 3D models of weapons, armor, and creatures. Players could rotate and inspect these objects and play around while they waited to load into the world of Skyrim.
5) Map Art – Battlefield 4
One of the most iconic and adrenaline-pumping loading screens on this list is the Battlefield 4 load screen. Before players plunged into the chaos of multiplayer combat, the loading screen showcased the upcoming map. While it wasn’t interactive, what made it truly memorable was the soundtrack. Each level featured its own unique score, building anticipation and immersing players in the action before the battle even began. Making it a truly memorable moment for many Battlefield fans.
4) In-Game Characters – GTA V
There isn’t a single gamer out there who wouldn’t recognize the iconic loading screen of GTA V. Featuring in-game characters while the player waits to load into the story mode or GTA Online. The loading screen featured story characters like Michael, Franklin, Trevor, Lester, Lamar & other faces, coupled with the subtle score of the game. Over time the loading screen has become a source for many memes and fan discussions over the years due to its popularity and high loading times.
3) Animus Simulation – Assassin’s Creed Games
One series that has taken a different approach to loading screens in video games is the Assassin’s Creed Series. Before loading the game, the game puts the player in an empty glowing white space in the Animus Simulations filled with glitches. What sets it apart from other games is that it allows the player to control their character and practice movement and parkour while the game loads. Making it one of the most fun distractions while players await the fast-paced actions of the games.
2) Tips & Trivia – Minecraft
Another well-known loading screen is the funny trivia and Tips & Tricks seen in Minecraft. The game displays randomly generated messages—sometimes useful, sometimes humorous—against its classic pixelated backdrop. The loading screen in Minecraft holds its charm and is very relaxing compared to other titles. providing players with a subtle loading experience while they await their next adventure.
1) Story Progression – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Perhaps the most thought-provoking loading screen in a game comes from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Where the loading screen provides players with story progression recaps. Narrated by the beloved bard Dandelion, these screens summarize recent choices and events, accompanied by black-and-white artistic illustrations. This feature not only is a way to load the game but also provides players with a recap of their choices and immerses them in the world of The Witcher.
Other Notable Best Loading Screens in Video Games
- Red Dead Redemption 2: Shows rotating artwork and helpful gameplay tips, making the wait feel like part of the Wild West experience.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Displays character tips and information, helping players learn more about the game while waiting.
- Mortal Kombat 11: Shows detailed character models and dramatic backgrounds that match the game’s fighting style.
- Fallout 4: Uses rotating 3D models of weapons, characters, and items, giving players something to explore during loading.
- Bayonetta: Features a practice mode that lets players try combos and moves while the game loads.
- Dark Souls: Uses item descriptions and atmospheric artwork to build the game’s mysterious world.
- Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag: Shows beautiful ocean and ship artwork that reflects the game’s pirate setting.
- Borderlands 2: Uses comic-book-style artwork and loading tips that match its unique visual style.
- Persona 5 Royal: Features stylish character illustrations and themed visuals that make even short loading moments feel polished.
Best Loading Screens in Video Games: Summary
Over time, loading screens in Video Games have turned from mere boot-up times to tools of immersion for the players. Some of these have become, in the eyes of gamers across the world, a staple of their franchise or the game developers. Whether the loading screen builds suspense, provides game hints, or offers a moment of relaxation before players are thrust into the game’s world. The best ones make waiting an integral part of the journey rather than just an inconvenience.
Which loading screens are your favorite? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and for the latest gaming news, guides, and more, be sure to check Driffle Blog.
